To some changing a major may be considered daring, but for Eric Pogue, a graduating senior majoring in fine arts from Shreveport, a drastic change was just what he needed.
Pogue was an architectural science major for two years before switching over to fine arts. He attributes his decision to a professor of architecture and professors in the art department.
“Since I started Southern I would always take art classes on the side of my core classes. The professors in the art department are willing to share with you what they know, instead of showing you what they can do. It wasn’t until I ran into an extremely difficult professor that I realized I did not want to be an architect. This is not what I want to do,” Pogue said.
The decision to change a major is not a easy one to make especially when you are deep into your major, but for Pogue the transition was fairly easy.
“When I was in high school, I would draw pictures for people for fun. I was always interested in art, while I was majoring in architecture. I would draw so art and architecture where kind of similar,” Pouge said.
Pogue cheerfully admits that he made a mistake choosing a major for money and encourages others to think twice.
“I would come home and some of my family members would ask me what I was going to major in. It used to feel good saying that I was an architecture major, because that meant I was going to be making a lot of money. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I always worked three jobs to take care of things. So I knew I wanted to make a lot of money. Now that doesn’t even matter to me. I wanted to major in something I love to do,” Pogue said.
Hungry for success and willing to work, Pogue is in the process of starting his own non-profit organization titled Artagious.
The program is dedicated to teaching kids how to express themselves. It will also teach independence, teamwork, art history, entrepreneurship and time-management skills.
Now at the finishing line for his degree, Pogue wants his drawings to be a reflection of himself.
“I enjoy anything that deals with matters of the heart. I’m also a hopeless romantic. I want people to see me in my drawings,” he said.
He knows that at one time or another his artwork has helped him.
“I know my artwork has helped me overcome many issues I have faced. My artwork is therapeutic and I am a better person because of art,” Pogue said.
